Rev. Edward G. Gray, Jr.

Reverend Edward G. Gray, Jr. of Perryville, MD, went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, August 28, 2010. Born on June 8, 1926 in TN, he was the son of Elizabeth and Edward G. Gray, Sr. In 1943 he met and married Nellie Owens Mercer of VA and they raised 6 children: Connie, Sandra, Edward, Wayne, Phillip and Resa. Rev. Gray served admirably in both the U.S. Navy and Army during the Korean War. Upon his return from active duty, he began a long career with the Aberdeen Proving Ground, where he became Chief Administrator with Development and Proofs. As an ordained preacher in the Church of God, Rev. Gray founded a number of churches, notably the one in the photo which was his first church at Liberty Grove, MD in the early fifties. This church went on to become the Rising Sun Church of God. He also founded the Elkton Church of God, the North East Church of God, the Aberdeen Church of God and the Oxford PA Church of God, among others. He and his family sang and toured around the country. He is most remembered for his most oft requested solo, "Peace in the Valley". Wherever the family sang, it was always a certainty that someone would request Rev. Gray sing this song. Rev. Gray was a dedicated pastor in the Church of God for over fifty years. He is survived by his loving wife, Nellie, to whom he was faithfully married for 67 years, and his children: Connie Silver, Sandra Price, Edward Gray, III, Wayne Gray, Resa Laird and husband Rick; as well as his loving sister-in-law and her husband, Nancy and James Hadad, brother-in-law Robert Mercer and wife Lola; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday evening, August 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. David Price will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Principio United Methodist Church, Perryville, MD. Interment with full military honors will follow services in Principio Cemetery. For condolences, visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.